Human-caused fire emerges north of Flagstaff

PHOENIX — Coconino National Forest personnel responded to a human-caused fire Saturday evening just several miles north of Flagstaff, Ariz., according to a news release from Coconino officials.

The one-acre-wide fire near Freidlein Prarie was reported at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Its flames were visible from Flagstaff.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and crews continue to work to contain the fire. According to the news release, fire prevention personnel has been finding several people who have not been following the current restrictions on camp fires in the area.

The Coconino National Forest will enter a fire danger rating of “extreme” on Monday.

“Extreme” fire danger means that fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Direct attack of fires is rarely possible for firefighters and may be dangerous except immediately after ignition.

The blaze is believed to be unrelated to the Doce fire continuously burning northwest of Prescott, Ariz.